New Zealand defeat South Africa by 6 runs in the 2nd ODI at Christchurch

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Other teams are sharpening their knives and preparing for CT by playing the best available opposition and we on the other hand are consumed with the PSL after which we are visiting the only team that is worse than us

I like this selection (SA are playing 6 white players as well which should illustrate the quota will be flexible enough rather than stringent).
Yes SA will probably lose this match, the positive is that we'll be chasing a big total under pressure, it will give us a clear indication on who is our second best all rounder after Morris between Phehlukwayo, Pretorius and Parnell going forward. Is Phehlukwayo a one hit wonder? Is Parnell good enough with the bat to contribute down the order? What about Pretorius? Can he cut the mustard at international level?
All those questions will be answered tonight.
We're playing four all rounders which won't be the case going forward obviously. But I like that, no point in winning series after series without testing a few combinations and the depth of your squad and then come stuck at ICC events.

For too long we've relied on the first XI, without a backup plan should a first team regular have a poor tournament. A good example of that was Dale Steyn in the 2015 WC. So it's important to give fringe players game time to gain enough experience before these events.

Rabada, Ngidi and Morkel will compete for the specialist fast bowler slot.

NZ shouldn't collapse here.
I want SA chasing at least 290. Else what's the point of all these all rounders in the side? I want them tested.

290 it will be on a sluggish surface, it won't be easy but that's the whole point.
Will SA batsmen fail to take responsibility due to the length of the batting unit and live the job for someone else? We'll have to wait and see.
I want SA to take this game deep, 250 all out will be a huge disappointment.
280/285 will make a good game, provided victory is unattainable that is.......

Left too much in the end for the bowling all rounders. One of our top bats has to bat through to assist these guys.
Pretorius had a super match with both bat and ball. Does that mean he's ahead of Parnell who was the leading wicket taker against Sri Lanka (albeit a very weak one))?
That's for the selectors to decide. Very disappointing in the end. The 6 run defeat is not indicative of the precarious position we were in. Pretorius' knock has given respectability to what should/was a comfortable win for NZ.

Poor batting from Phehlukwayo. He knew what length is coming and he is unable to hit yorkers, still he didn't try to create his own length by using his feet, not even once.

I think that's a sensible approach when you don't have wickets in hand. Play conventional shorts than risky ramps.
He has a lot of maturity for a 20 year old, must keep on working on his batting to add more repertoire in his stroke range. Nothing risky like reverse sweeps, but he must learn how to manipulate the field instead of relying mainly on muscle if he is to be a successful and consistent finisher down the order.

15 runs in the end was too much, but he'll learn. He needs more exposure at this level. In end he carried his bat once again.
That's the right mentality and a good start for someone with aspirations of being a finisher. So he needs assistance and training, there's something to work with this young man.

A courageous 26-ball half-century by Dwaine Pretorius was not enough as the Standard Bank Proteas saw their 12-game winning run halted by a narrow, six-run defeat to New Zealand in the second One-Day International (ODI) in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Chasing 290 for victory at the Hagley Oval, the tourists failed to make the most of several good starts, before eventually ending on 283/9 as the Black Caps levelled the five-match series at 1-1.

Pretorius, in only his sixth appearance for his country, was the stand-out performer with both bat and ball, but his career-best effort late in the game was especially impressive as South Africa showed fight right until the death.

He ended up with exactly 50 (27 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and shared in a 61-run partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo, who was unbeaten on 29, before departing with 15 needed from six – a bridge that ended too far with their side nine down.

There was another notable half-century from Quinton de Kock at the top of the order – the wicketkeeper making 57 (65 balls, 6 fours) – with starts also for JP Duminy (34), AB de Villiers (45) and the fit-again David Miller (28), who shared a 68-run fifth-wicket stand with his captain.

With the New Zealanders striking at regular intervals, they had the visitors reeling on 214/8 and facing inevitable defeat, before Pretorius and Phehlukwayo did their best to alter the script.

In the end it was the death-over yorkers of Trent Boult (3/63) and Tim Southee (1/60) that just about took the home side over the line.

Earlier, De Villiers won the toss and chose to bat first, but the Black Caps got to 289/4 thanks to Ross Taylor’s record-breaking 17th ODI century, which put him ahead of Nathan Astle in terms of hundreds for his country. The right-hander was unbeaten on 102 (110 balls, 8 fours) with his performance well supported by Kane Williamson, who made 69 (75 balls, 6 fours). Jimmy Neesham provided the fireworks for the home crowd with his 71 not out (57 balls, 6 fours).

All the South African bowlers, bar Pretorius, went for over five runs to the over, with the all-rounder returning a fine 2/40.

Match three takes place at Wellington on Saturday. Play will start at 03:00 SAST.